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Few vehicles can match the iconic status of the Jeep, which has been manufacturing tough, off-road SUVs known as Wranglers for nearly 40 years. The Wrangler has maintained its distinctive appeal, featuring a simple design with removable tops and doors, a combination that remained largely unchallenged until the recent return of the Ford Bronco. Jeep fiercely protects this unique formula, which is why their first electric off-roader will be the upcoming Recon rather than the Wrangler.
While the Wrangler name was introduced in the 1980s, its design is deeply rooted in Jeep’s heritage that dates back to World War II. Devoted fans of the brand appreciate this legacy and wish to see it preserved. Jeep insists that maintaining this classic formula is crucial.
“We have to honor what Jeep represents. The Wrangler has been our cornerstone for over 80 years, stemming from its predecessors,” said Jeep CEO Bill Peffer in a recent interview with The Drive. “We must protect that identity. We have many loyal customers who drive the Wrangler.”
This doesn’t imply that the Wrangler cannot a embrace some electric features. In fact, the plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler has achieved remarkable success. Peffer noted that the 4xe model is “the top plug-in hybrid electric vehicle on the market.” Given that success, why not transition to a fully electric version? Jeep distinguishes between the two, viewing the shift as entirely different.
Jeep has previously experimented with electric Wranglers, including concepts unveiled at the Easter Jeep Safari. The first Magneto Wrangler featured a unique setup with one electric motor and a six-speed manual transmission. The latest iteration, Magneto 3.0, boasted 650 horsepower, adaptive air suspension, and a selectable low range. This showcases Jeep’s capability to produce a high-performance electric Wrangler, although they feel that the time is not right for a public launch.
Instead, Jeep will direct its electric innovation towards the Recon, which draws some inspiration from the Wrangler. It is expected to have a size comparable to the four-door Wrangler and features removable doors. The main distinguishing factor will be its entirely electric powertrain. While the Recon diverges from the Wrangler, it retains much of its fundamental design.
For those hoping to acquire an all-electric Jeep in the near future, the Recon or the newly introduced Wagoneer S will be the options available. In the meantime, Jeep plans to keep the Wrangler as true to its original form as possible for as long as they can.
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